Cause Areas

When

It's flexible! We'll work with your schedule.

Where

University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital5721 South Maryland AvenueChicago, IL60637

Bring joy and magic to sick kids

About

Open Heart Magic (OHM) is a nonprofit organization that brings the joy of magic to sick kids in hospitals. As a volunteer Hospital Magician, you’ll bring laughter and wonder to kids who need it most...vulnerable, scared kids undergoing medical treatment. You’ll take their minds off their fears and - most important - help them feel empowered. OHM is currently recruiting for top-notch folks to join our awesome community of volunteers and bring more magic to sick kids.

Quite possibly, the best place to volunteer in Chicago

Our Hospital Magicians tell us that their hospital visits are the best part of their week. They say that - after a visit - they walk away energized and inspired knowing that they were able to provide such a powerful experience for these kids. As a Hospital Magician, not only will you perform magic one-on-one at kids’ bedsides, you’ll also empower them by teaching them a magic trick. It’s not uncommon for our Hospital Magician’s to hear from a parent or nurse that, because of the magic, it was the first time the kid smiled or laughed all day.

No Need to Know Magic - We Will Teach You This Amazing Art at Magic University

You don’t need to know magic to be a Hospital Magician. You just need to be committed to learning the magic techniques that we will teach you. Magic University consists of in-class training one evening a week for 12 weeks, plus practice on your own. The magic routines taught are professional level, extremely visual and astonishing, yet they can be learned in a shorter time due to our experienced magician trainers, all who are active Hospital Magicians.

Times of Service/Hospital Location For This Listing

The Bedside Magic program at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital (5721 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637) is recruiting for service on Saturday mornings. As a Hospital Magician, you will visit kids every other week. Each visit to the hospital lasts approximately 120 - 150 minutes.

While you will work with a team of volunteer Hospital Magicians to arrange scheduling for vacations and trips, it's best to not apply if you travel often or have an unpredictable schedule.

Magic University Location and Training Schedule

Magic University is held twice a year and recruitment for these limited spots is year-round. Magic U training sessions last two-hours and are held weekly on Monday’s at 6:15 PM. The location of Magic U is in the Loop., which is near public transportation and the Metra station.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Saturday morning availability (every other week)

Dedicated, high energy, fun, outgoing individuals with a sense of humor,

Sensitivity and social skills to work with kids and families who are going through a difficult time.

Performance experience in the arts, magic, comedy, teaching, public presentation, business facilitation or any similar activity is highly regarded.

Previous experience in volunteering is highly regarded.

An interest in learning magic, as this art requires dedication to learn and practice skills.

Your commitment to learning to become a Hospital Magician and to being present at all scheduled service times is paramount.

These kids will be depending on you to come and do magic. A commitment of at least one year of service is required - due to the extensive training investment required to prepare you to skillfully and confidently perform close-up magic. You will need to consistently provide service every other week as part of the program. Turnover is extremely low and these positions are valued.

Due to the sensitive nature of the service Open Heart Magic provides, hospital requirements, and that we occasionally utilize free community space for special training sessions provided by establishments that serve alcohol, applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

Thanks for checking out the opportunity to help kids. We really look forward to speaking with you!

If you are interested in becoming a Hospital Magician and want to be a part of an incredible community that helps bring joy to thousands of kids in hospitals then please click "I WANT TO HELP!" and answer the following questions. You'll receive an email with more information and the application to fill out and return. Thanks so much for your interest in Open Heart Magic, we can't wait to hear from you.